Season 9 - Episode 11 - Forget Everything You Know About Fine Dining! Bjorn Frantzen & Torsten Vildgaard !

What happens when two visionaries join forces ? In this extraordinary episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco welcomes Chef Torsten Vildgaard (formerly of Noma) and iconic Chef Björn Frantzén, both globally acclaimed for redefining modern gastronomy. Now leading the charge at FZN at Atlantis, The Palm, they’re reshaping fine dining in the Middle East. The conversation takes us through their personal stories, culinary philosophies, and the intense discipline of Michelin kitchens - as well as the unique opportunity and challenge of bringing Scandinavian excellence to the Gulf.  This episode is a masterclass in what it takes to operate at the highest level in hospitality. Tune in to learn: 👩‍🍳 How Torsten transitioned from Noma to opening his own Michelin-starred restaurant 👩‍🍳 What it really takes to build and maintain a Michelin-level restaurant 👩‍🍳 What three elements are the heart of elite kitchens 👩‍🍳 How FZN is redefining luxury dining in the Middle East 00:00 Opening Remarks and Personal Reflections 02:00 Meet Torsten Vildgaard & Björn Frantzén 04:40 Childhood Food Memories & Early Influences 12:50 First Steps into Professional Kitchens 25:42 Opening & Running Michelin-Starred Restaurants 41:31 Expanding to Dubai: The FZN Vision 46:12 Training, Guest Experience & Team Culture 51:53 Menu Development & Local Ingredients 54:13 Operating with Excellence in the Middle East 01:13:12 Quick Fire Round 01:20:45 Advice for Young Chefs You can follow Bjorn on HERE You can follow Torsten on HERE A huge thank you to our partner Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com Stay sharp and hydrated with the Chef JKP thermos bottle - available at chefjkp.com or via DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/ Please leave us a review us on all podcast hosting sites - it’s the best way to support the show! Food is Memories !🍽️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices